Guyana’s two-time Commonwealth Games medallist, United States-based, Aliann Pompey arrived in Guyana yesterday morning to compete at Sunday’s President’s/Jefford Track and Field Classic for the first time in almost 20 years.
Pompey arrived aboard a Caribbean Airlines flight and was received at the Executive Lounge at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA). President of the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG), Colin Boyce and Digicel’s Business Development and Sponsorship Manager, Gavin Hope among other officials.
“We are happy to have probably one of Guyana’s most distinguished athletes here in Guyana to compete after achieving international stardom. This in itself is a success for the meet and we are anticipating a scintillating day of keen competition,” Hope said.
He added that he was happy to see that the Coordinators of the Classic were delivering on their commitment to have different features at the meet. According to Hope, he is excited to see what Pompey will do against Guyana’s leading female athletes.
Pompey won her first Commonwealth Games medal in 2002 in Manchester, England and took home the silver medal last year in New Delhi, India, making her the only Guyanese athlete in any sport with more than one Commonwealth Games medals.
Apart from the Commonwealth Games, Pompey has had immense success on the regional stage and has competed at three Olympic Games. She is also a National Sportswoman and is likely to compete at her last Olympic Games in England next year.
“We are so happy to have this distinguished athlete in Guyana to compete at this meet. We hope that she has a memorable opportunity as we continue to do our best to ensure that new standards are set in local track and field,” AAG President, Boyce said.
Pompey had ignored a Grand Prix in Brazil to compete in Guyana on Sunday. She said that she is not sure she will have another chance to compete here. She has a robust international schedule that will continue as she prepares for the World Championships this year.
After Pompey was formally received at CJIA, she was escorted to Linden where she paid courtesy calls on the Regional Chairman of Region 10, Mortimer Mingo and the Regional Executive Officer, Henry Rodney.
Pompey also visited the McKenzie High School where she briefly met students and signed some autographs. Mingo wished the athlete well in her endeavours and encouraged her to continue to keep the Golden Arrowhead flying high.